Medical radioisotopes are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. In particular, molybdenum-99/technetium-99m (Mo-99/Tc-99m) remains the most widely used diagnostic radioisotope globally. At the same time, advances in nuclear medicine—such as radioligand therapy (RLT) and theranostics using radioisotopes such as lutetium-177 (Lu-177), actinium-225 (Ac-225), astatine-211 (At-211) and lead-212 (Pb-212)—are driving increased demand for a broader range of therapeutic radioisotopes. Ensuring reliable, affordable and timely access to these isotopes is becoming an increasingly important priority for healthcare systems worldwide. In Southeast Asia, expanding healthcare needs, growing populations, and increasing interest in advanced nuclear medicine techniques underscore the importance of developing robust and resilient supply chains for both diagnostic and therapeutic radioisotopes.

In support of these priorities, the NEA and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will co-host the first Asia-Pacific Workshop on Medical Radioisotopes at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia on 6–7 July 2026. The event will bring together representatives of nuclear-related organisations, regulators, key opinion leaders, radiopharmacists, industry stakeholders and government policymakers from the region and beyond. The aim is to discuss the current landscape of medical radioisotopes in the region, including challenges securing supply chains and opportunities arising from the use of therapeutic radioisotopes such as Lu-177 and Ac-225.

The workshop will focus on opportunities to enhance the regional security of supply for medical radioisotopes, in particular molybdenum-99/technetium-99m (Mo-99/Tc-99m) and therapeutic isotopes. This includes supporting the adoption of radioligand therapy (RLT) and theranostics across Asia-Pacific health systems, ensuring their effective and reliable integration. The following topics will be discussed:

• Development of secure supply chains for conventional and innovative medical radioisotopes;
• Supply chain resilience through monitoring of supply and demand;
• Infrastructure needs across medical systems;
• Regional priorities in nuclear education and workforce development;
• Capacity building and knowledge exchange among countries in the region; and, 
• Policy frameworks for equitable delivery of medical radioisotopes therapies.

• Provide a platform for policymakers, regulators, producers, healthcare providers and related organisations to exchange on current and projected supply and demand for key medical radioisotopes in Southeast Asia.
• Identify vulnerabilities and bottlenecks across the medical radioisotope value chain, including production, processing, transport, regulatory approval and end-use in clinical settings.
• Share best practices and the lessons learnt from NEA member countries and partner organisations on strengthening the resilience and reliability of Mo-99/Tc-99m supply.